Derelict Building Photographs

This was the final piece for Unit 3 of A-Level Photography and they were taken using a black and white film camera. The project was based around styles of architecture and the different stages a building goes through. These photographs capture the end of the life of a building, as it becomes derelict. They are successful due to the variety of textures, the strong tonal contrast and their depth.

Life Drawing

This is a life drawing that was created over an hour period using a 4B pencil on cartridge paper. I enjoy life drawing and have found that it has helped me to understand human proportions which has in turn improved my designs and illustrations.

Stephen King's "IT" Book Cover

This was one of five book covers created for Unit 4 of A-Level Graphics. The brief was to design a series of book covers for a box set of selected Stephen King novels. The series is called "The King Sized Horror Collection" and is aimed at male and female horror readers aged 16+. 

Thumbnail Sketch Examples

This is a double page spread from my sketchbook for A level Graphics in which I created Stephen King book covers (see above). I like to use thumbnail sketches and annotation to get ideas down visually and quickly helping me to experiment with layouts and design elements. I also like to utilise a variety of visual sources for inspiration such as film, graphic design and fine art. This page shows a frame from the film "The Shining" which I used as a starting point for my thumbnails.

"King Sized Horror Collection" Poster

This is a promotional poster that was created as an extension to the brief for the "King Sized Horror Collection". I took inspiration from the cover of ............. in its use of colours and vertical rectangles. The strong contrast between the black and white makes the poster striking and, as both are equally saturated, the eye is not drawn to one over the other therefore holding the viewer's attention for longer. However the tonal difference in the red creates a focal point which then guides the eye down to the series title. The typography is created using negative space and Gestalt theories of closure and proximity. 

Stop Motion Animation

This is a stop-motion animation I created as part of my current project called "Everyday Objects" which is focussing on inanimate objects and still life. I chose to look at relationships we have with objects in the way that they may be attached to a particular memory or person or being link to you personally. I created this by animating objects within my room, all of which evoke a memory or has sentimental value.

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Textile Illustration

This is a machine stitched illustration of a teapot on muslin. The mat was created by appliquéing floral fabric onto the muslin with zig-zag stitch and gives the illustration context and depth. This stitch co-ordinates with the fabric and contrasts the straight stitch. The fabric and pink stitch adds colour to the piece and enhances the traditional feminine feel created by the embroidery and tea pot. The grey stitch suggests reflections and therefore gives an indication of the material and form.

Teapot Sculpture

This is a ceramic sculpture that was created as part of a brief based on still life and everyday objects. I slip cast the individual pieces in porcelain, joined them together and glazed them to create a more surreal form. I decided to add little decoration as I felt the simplicity of the design and monotone colour scheme would contrast the complicated form. The line, which was inspired by the grey reflection lines in the piece above, was added in order to link the different objects together and make them work as a whole.

Continuous Line Drawings

These are observational studies of a camera using the continuous line technique with a 3B pencil. The freehand style gives the drawings energy and spontaneity which is enhanced by the broken, grainy quality of line.

Layout Development

This is a double page spread from a sketchbook for my Unit 3 Illustration Project in Graphics. It shows how I developed the illustrations by experimenting with different colours, layouts, text, sizes and layering. This helps me to find a combination of elements that is both suitable for target and purpose and aesthetically pleasing.

Media Development

This is a double page spread from a sketchbook for my Unit 3 Illustration Project in Graphics. It shows how I developed the illustration using different types of transfers, media and backgrounds (left to right): 

• Gesso transfer on mount board 
• Sticky-back-plastic transfer on book pages 
• Emulsion transfer on book pages
• Acrylic gel transfer on book pages and emulsion 

I prefer the illustrations which have book page and emulsion backgrounds as the texture of the paint allows the colour of the pages to show through giving the image more perceived depth. The emulsion also isolates the drawing therefore reducing the amount of distraction caused by the text on the book pages. I used a typewriter to create the text on the illustrations on the right-hand page (this stands off of the main background on separate pieces of paper) as this ties in with the old feel created by the aged book pages. This also allowed me to type directly onto painted paper. I like to experiment with different types of media when developing ideas as it allows me to manipulate elements in order to create texture.

Wizard of Oz Illustration

This is my final piece for Unit 3 of A-level Graphics. I decided to look at illustration as this was an area of Graphic Design which I had not explored and I wanted to create a more hands-on piece. The brief was to create a series of illustrations for The Wizard of Oz to promote the re-release and rebranding of the book. I used a map as a basis for the background as this reflects the physical and metaphorical journey that Dorothy takes through Oz. The paint textures were added to prevent the bold colours in the map distracting from the drawings. The line is precisely drawn yet the variation in thickness gives it energy. However the texture of the paint contrasts the line and gives the overall illustration more spontineity. The paint also introduces colour which makes them more appealing to children who is the primary target market. The drawings were tranferred onto the backing using acrylic gel and the writing with acetone. This gives the text and illustrations a more unique and personal feel. The quotes were included to give the illustrations more direct context with the theme.